Friday, February 8, 2019

From US Embassy Philippines (Feb 5, 2019): U.S. and Philippine Air Forces conclude the Bilateral Air Contingent Exercise – Philippines (BACE-P)

Members of the U.S. and Philippine Air Forces marked the successful completion of 12 days of bilateral training and increased mutual cooperation during the seventh iteration of the Bilateral Air Continent Exchange – Philippines (BACE-P) at Cesar Basa Air Base, Pampanga. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Anthony Small)

Pampanga — The U.S. Pacific Air Force and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) marked the close of the Bilateral Air Contingent Exercise-Philippines (BACE-P) at the Cesar Basa Air Base in Pampanga.

BACE-P was conducted from January 21 to February 1 and provided an opportunity for U.S. Air Force F-16s and PAF FA-50s fighter aircraft to practice interfly training and conduct subject matter expert exchanges including intelligence, flight line, and maintenance operations.

Media outlets are invited to share content from the exercise provided at the following links:

An Abu Sayyaf militant leader accused of plotting a recent suicide attack in a Roman Catholic cathedral in the southern Philippines may be harboring a foreign would-be suicide bomber in his jungle base, a senior official said Thursday.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano said Abu Sayyaf commander Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who allegedly plotted the Jan. 27 attack at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral on Jolo island that killed 23 people, was also behind a suicide attack last year that killed 11 people in nearby Basilan province. Sawadjaan’s goal was to assert his new role as Islamic State group leader in the southern Philippines, Ano said.

The Jolo attack, allegedly carried out by two Indonesian suicide bombers, has renewed terrorism fears across the Philippines. The national police have been placed on full alert and security has been strengthened in churches, shopping malls and other public areas. President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered troops to destroy the Abu Sayyaf, leading to a renewed military offensive in the south that has included sporadic air strikes and gunbattles.

Ano said in an interview that government forces have received intelligence about the presence of an Arabic man in Sawadjaan’s camp in the jungles of Sulu province’s Patikul town, and are taking steps to capture him along with Sawadjaan and his men.

“We’re watching this man because he’s also a trained bomber and a (would-be) suicide bomber,” Ano said. He said the militant could be a Yemeni or an Egyptian national and has married a local villager.

Ano, a former military chief of staff who as interior secretary supervises the national police, provided more details about Sawadjaan, a low-key Muslim insurgent in his 60s who he said was recognized last year by the Islamic State group as its lead representative in the country’s south, although IS also regards three other local militant factions as allies.

“The bombing of the cathedral and the bombing of Basilan were Sawadjaan’s moves to assert leadership,” Ano said. Police have said the Abu Sayyaf staged the cathedral bombing to gain attention and possible funding from the Islamic State group.

In the July 31 Basilan attack, a militant believed to be of Moroccan descent was killed when drums of explosives exploded in a van he was driving. Ten Filipino militiamen and villagers were also killed in the powerful blast, which wounded 11 others.

Police said the foreign militant had targeted a gathering of about 2,000 mostly students and teachers in Basilan’s Lamitan city but his vehicle stalled and villagers whom he asked for help became suspicious when they saw wires protruding from plastic gallon containers in the vehicle. The vehicle exploded as troops approached.

Ano said the militant, who used the nom de guerre Abu Kathir Al-Maghrib, had stayed in Sawadjaan’s camp in Jolo before he traveled to Basilan. Both the Basilan and Jolo attacks were delayed because of funding problems, he said.

“That Moroccan lived in the camp of Sawadjaan. He was seen by hostages,” Ano said.

An Indonesian militant who allegedly carried out the cathedral attack stayed in Sawadjaan’s stronghold for a while and arranged for his wife to travel to Jolo to help carry out the bombing, Ano said. The Jolo and Basilan bombs were made of similar explosives and most likely were assembled by a foreign militant, he said.

The Philippines will ask the help of Indonesian authorities in identifying the two suicide attackers through their remains, he said.

Early this week, national police Director-General Oscar Albayalde said five suspected Abu Sayyaf militants who escorted the Indonesian couple around Jolo ahead of the bombing have been taken into custody and charged with murder and attempted murder.

The Abu Sayyaf, which has about 300 to 400 armed fighters, has been blacklisted by the United States and the Philippines as a terrorist organization because of years of bombings, kidnappings and beheadings. Sawadjaan is a Muslim preacher who has been linked to ransom kidnappings and the beheadings of hostages, including two Canadian men in 2016, before the cathedral bombing.

China has deployed a large fleet of ships near the Spratly Islands in response to the Philippines’ construction of a new beaching ramp on Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, an American think tank said Wednesday.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of the US Center for Strategic and International Studies said these included navy and coast guard ships and dozens of fishing vessels from 30 to 70 meters in length.

Satellite images from mid-December 2018 and late January 2019 showed the number of ships rising to 95 on Dec. 5 before dropping to 42 by Jan. 26, AMTI said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, denied an AMTI claim that the Philippines was undertaking land reclamation of its own on Pag-asa Island.

“As of now, only the beaching ramp is being undertaken. Next is the concreting of the runway [Rancudo Airfield] and the third phase involves the lengthening of the airfield,” he added.

Also on Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is still studying further steps to take, in view of the reported construction of a Chinese maritime rescue center in the West Philippine Sea, a ranking agency official said Thursday.

“We’re studying what steps might be taken or not,” DFA Undersecretary for Policy Enrique Manalo told reporters in an interview in Makati City. As recently stated by DFA chief Teodoro Locsin Jr., he noted that filing a protest is an “active consideration.”

Both the DFA and Malacañang have yet to issue an update regarding the reported construction in the area.

On Monday, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, however, said the Armed Forces of the Philippines continues to monitor the disputed waters, where China and other countries—including the Philippines—share contesting territorial claims.

On Jan. 29, China’s news agency Xinhua reported that a maritime rescue center was built on the Philippine-claimed Kagitingan Reef in the Kalayaan Island Group.

From the Manila Standard (Feb 7, 2019): Palace to certify urgent bill retiring military men at 60

President Rodrigo Duterte will certify as urgent a proposed law suggesting that pension payments for military and uniformed personnel may only start at age 60 instead of 56, the Palace said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the bill, which was proposed by the Department of National Defense, might be certified as urgent by the President following complaints from the military personnel about their pension.

“I think some of them are complaining about their pension, considering that the Armed Forces are involved in our fight against terrorism, communism, and rebellion. We have lost a lot of men already,” Panelo said in a Palace press briefing.

According to Panelo, the President made the decision during the Cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Under the Unified Military and Uniformed Services Personnel Separation, Retirement, and Pension Bill, there will be reforms in the retirement and pension system of the military and uniformed service personnel.

Active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines may only start to receive their pension payments at the age of 60, it said.

The proposed legislation also sets the new compulsory retirement age from 56 years old to 60, with at least 20 years of satisfactory active service.

The lump sum upon retirement or separation would only be at 18 months, the proposed law recommends, showing an immense disparity from the current 36 months of lump sum option.

Meanwhile, for those wounded or killed in action, the pension rate will be raised to 90 percent of base pay, including the longevity pay regardless of years of active service.

The proposal also said that surviving beneficiaries shall receive 75 percent of the pension, adding that the pension for a disability benefit shall “begin immediately.”

Asked if the “disparity” of the bill’s provisions will cost the President the support of the armed troops, Panelo said: “No, I don’t think so.”

He shrugged off possible opposition to the bill, saying that the measure will be “beneficial” to the active soldiers of the country.

“That measure is designed for their benefit. If the retirement were at 56 [years old], then your job will be over. If it were at 60, then you will have an extension of four years,” he said.

“They want that. They do not want to retire early. When you will retire at 56, you will lose your job. In 60, you can still work. I really think 56 is early retirement. It’s like you’re wasting the schooling that the government taught you. You retire early then you will not be doing anything after,” he said.

Panelo added that Duterte has always assured the military of his full support by doubling their salaries, enhancing their equipment to fend off enemies, and improving their benefits.

Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao- Amnesty will be granted to thousands of fighters of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as among the immediate steps in healing the wounds of conflict brought about by 40 years of revolutionary war waged by Moro rebels that started in 1968.
“We're trying to fast track the amnesty, but you know the amnesty has to be concurred with by Congress, so we're working on that,” Undersecretary Nabil Tan told ANC’s Early Edition on Wednesday.

Tan, Chair of the GPH Peace Implementing panel acknowledged that those with pending cases would “normally” not be appointed to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

The MILF will push for “provisional appointments” until the rebels are amnestied, Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the group’s implementing panel told ABS-CBN News.

Around 10 MILF commanders are still facing criminal cases for “common cases” in connection with the Mindanao conflict, he told ABS-CBN News.

Some 35,000 to 40,000 combatants may be covered by the amnesty, he said, based on the list earlier submitted by the MILF.

“They have submitted already the personalities, but we are trying to track the cases, the courts where they’re filed,” Tan said. “It’s a continuing process.”

The amnesty will provide MILF combatants with a “clean slate,” said Benedicto Bacani, executive director of the Cotabato City-based Institute for Autonomy and Governance, said the report by ABS-CBN News.

But he cautioned against putting them in the Bangsamoro government right away without completing the “normalization” process.

“Don’t involve them in governance kasi precisely they are not ready yet,” he told ABS-CBN News.

Bacani said the MILF should instead pick “the best and the brightest among the Bangsamoro people.”

The high-powered guns recovered by Army troopers inside the abandoned comfort room of Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao on Thursday (Feb. 7) (Photo by the Army’s 1st MIB)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Soldiers responding to reports on the presence of Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the Maguindanao town of Datu Piang found guns in the area, a military official said Friday.

Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said members of 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion found the high-powered firearms inside the comfort room of an abandoned barangay hall at about 7:30 a.m. on Thursday.

No BIFF member was around when the soldiers arrived.

Sobejana said the recovered guns included two Carbine rifles, a M203 40MM grenade launcher, a .45-caliber pistol, a .38-caliber pistol, and assorted magazine and ammunition.

“The timely and accurate information provided by the concerned civilians led to the recovery of said valuable war material,” he said, recognizing the community’s support in the fight against lawlessness and terrorism in Datu Piang and neighboring communities.

“We will sustain our commitment to ensure the safety and security of the people in Central Mindanao against the BIFF who sow terror and create fear in the communities,” Sobejana added.

Brig. General Franco Nemesio Gacal, the concurrent commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade and the newly-installed commander of the 4th Infantry Division, briefs Maj General Felimon Santos on the operational environment of 4ID on Wednesday (Feb. 6). (Photo courtesy of Eastmincom PIO)

The chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said military units should address issues in conflict-affected areas under the peace zone concept, with Caraga region as the benchmark for the initiative.

Major Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said he personally witnessed the positive results from the peace and development concept in Caraga during a visit with military units under the 4th Infantry Division (ID) on Wednesday.

The 4th ID's peace and development concept in Caraga was an initiative of its former commander, now Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal.

Madrigal also headed Eastmincom before assuming the AFP chief post.

Santos, who took the helm of the Eastmincom last month, said he wants to adopt the same concept in other regions and ordered all units to start establishing peace and development zones.

"Facilitate and work for convergence to address concerns and resolve issues in conflict-affected areas through the Peace and Development Zone concept," Santos said Friday.

Santos said the initiative should be a joint effort of the Regional Development Council (RDC) through the whole-of-nation approach.

"Declaring areas as Peace and Development Zones is a good template that will facilitate the achievement of durable peace in the region,” he added.

According to Lt. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of Eastmincom, the Peace and Development Zone is a peace-building initiative that promotes the establishment of durable peace by addressing the root causes of conflict through reconciliation, peace constituency building, social, political and economic transformation.

He said the conflict-affected areas that are eyed as peace and development zones are those already cleared or have a minimal threat from the NPA.

Balagtey said Caraga began their peace zones in August last year in the areas of Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte with 116 identified villages; six in Butuan; 17 in Agusan del Norte; 22 in Agusan del Sur; 32 in Surigao del Norte; and 39 in Surigao del Sur.

Madrigal has been eyeing areas, especially those used by the New People’s Army (NPA) as bases, into peace zones where development can thrive and people's lives are improved.

He said the plan needs an integral approach, and that the whole country must participate, emphasizing that peace and development initiatives cannot be achieved solely by the military.

Madrigal said development efforts should not be confined on the areas affected by the communist insurgency, but also around neighboring areas to encourage NPA community supporters to actively engage with the government's programs. http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1061408

Brig. General Franco Nemesio Gacal, the concurrent commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade and the newly-installed commander of the 4th Infantry Division, briefs Maj General Felimon Santos on the operational environment of 4ID on Wednesday (Feb. 6). (Photo courtesy of Eastmincom PIO)

The chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said military units should address issues in conflict-affected areas under the peace zone concept, with Caraga region as the benchmark for the initiative.

Major Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said he personally witnessed the positive results from the peace and development concept in Caraga during a visit with military units under the 4th Infantry Division (ID) on Wednesday.

The 4th ID's peace and development concept in Caraga was an initiative of its former commander, now Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal.

Madrigal also headed Eastmincom before assuming the AFP chief post.

Santos, who took the helm of the Eastmincom last month, said he wants to adopt the same concept in other regions and ordered all units to start establishing peace and development zones.

"Facilitate and work for convergence to address concerns and resolve issues in conflict-affected areas through the Peace and Development Zone concept," Santos said Friday.

Santos said the initiative should be a joint effort of the Regional Development Council (RDC) through the whole-of-nation approach.

"Declaring areas as Peace and Development Zones is a good template that will facilitate the achievement of durable peace in the region,” he added.

According to Lt. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of Eastmincom, the Peace and Development Zone is a peace-building initiative that promotes the establishment of durable peace by addressing the root causes of conflict through reconciliation, peace constituency building, social, political and economic transformation.

He said the conflict-affected areas that are eyed as peace and development zones are those already cleared or have a minimal threat from the NPA.

Balagtey said Caraga began their peace zones in August last year in the areas of Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte with 116 identified villages; six in Butuan; 17 in Agusan del Norte; 22 in Agusan del Sur; 32 in Surigao del Norte; and 39 in Surigao del Sur.

Madrigal has been eyeing areas, especially those used by the New People’s Army (NPA) as bases, into peace zones where development can thrive and people's lives are improved.

He said the plan needs an integral approach, and that the whole country must participate, emphasizing that peace and development initiatives cannot be achieved solely by the military.

Madrigal said development efforts should not be confined on the areas affected by the communist insurgency, but also around neighboring areas to encourage NPA community supporters to actively engage with the government's programs.

Improving all existing facilities in the municipality of Kalayaan, which is located in Pag-asa Island, is the government's constitutional mandate, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday.

The defense chief made the remark in the wake of reports that China has deployed a paramilitary force in response to ongoing rehabilitation efforts in the island late last year.

"Improving the safety, welfare, livelihood, and personal security of Filipinos in the municipality of Kalayaan, a distinct and separate town under the province of Palawan, is the government’s Constitutional mandate. Kalayaan has been part of the sovereignty of the Philippines since 1978, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1596 and international laws," Lorenzana said in a statement.He also emphasized that the DND has always been open and transparent in conveying and fulfilling the government’s desire to improve the living conditions of both the civilian and military citizens in the community of Barangay Pag-asa, the largest of the nine islands in the municipality comprising the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

"The presence of militia on the Chinese man-made structures is no surprise to us as they have been there since 2012. We expect other countries to respect Philippine sovereignty, and to conduct themselves in a civilized manner befitting members of the global community," Lorenzana said.

Among the facilities being constructed or upgraded in Pag-asa are the beaching ramp that will be completed by the first quarter of this year, air strip (Rancudo Airfield), better barracks for soldiers, desalination facilities, sewage disposal system, conventional and renewable power generators, lighthouses, shelters, and storage facilities for fishermen.

"These planned modest improvements are basic but nonetheless highly essential in delivering social services to raise the standard of living and improve the quality of life of Filipino citizens on the island," Lorenzana added.

The DND chief also bared that these improvements have undergone careful planning and consideration, with full respect to international law and rules-based order governing civilized states.

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8, 2019): ‘Terrorist’ Joma has no place in academe: ex-rebels

While some celebrate the birthday of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison, a group of unfazed former rebels has once again surfaced to denounce the former, whom they called a "terrorist", and his continued acts of foolishness against Filipinos, especially the youth.

In a press conference of the Liga Filipinas Independencia on Friday, New People's Army (NPA) surrenderers exposed Sison's systemized way of recruiting younger people allegedly through various sectors in the face of the Makabayan Bloc.

“They always go with the youth because they are the ones who are vulnerable and easy to brainwash. Trabaho nila yan, paikutin ang mga estudyante kasi kaming mga tumanda na sa bundok, nagkakamalay kami na walang katuturan ang rebolusyong sinimulan ni Sison (They really prey on the youth here in universities because they are aware that the rest of their recruits who have spent years in the mountains would realize how senseless Sison's revolution is. That is how they do it),” said Ka Mario Laude, conference convenor.

The group condemned the Makabayan Bloc for hosting, organizing, and coordinating with a state university the book launch of the communist leader's writings.

The Makabayan Bloc is composed of party-list groups such as Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Kabataan, Gabriela, Bayan Muna, Anak Pawis and new ones such as People's Surge, Ang Manggagawa and Aksyon Health Workers.

“Walang puwang sa larangan ng academiya o ng Political Science ang may akda dahil sa mga teroristang gawain niya at panggugulo sa bayan (The author has no place in the academe because of his terroristic acts in our country),” Laude added.

In a separate interview, anti-communist group leader Ka Dario Bolivar revealed that the terrorist CPP – New People’s Army (NPA) has seeped deeply into the structure, saying that rebels start brainwashing students through the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP).

“Kahit sinong presidenteng maupo, talagang may gagawin silang pambabatikos. Hindi na pagrerebelde sa gobyerno yun. Sistema na yun kasi ibinigay naman ng kasalukuyang administrasyon ang mga hiling nila dati sa peace talks. Dinadamay pa nila ang kabataan sa CEGP (Whoever is elected as president, they will surely make something up against the administration. That is no longer a rebellion against the government, that's a system. The current administration has granted all their conditions in the peace talks but to no avail. And they are including the student leaders from CEGP),” Bolivar claimed.

The group said they will continue to counter every issue raised by the Makabayan Bloc and the terrorist CPP-NPA until there is none left.

ROTC training used to be mandatory for college students but Duterte wants it for Grade 11 and 12 to instill patriotism among the youth.

(Updated 10:06 p.m.) — The chairman of the National Youth Commission on Thursday claimed "radical leftist youth leaders" are opposed to mandatory military training because they support communist rebels.

In an emailed statement, NYC Chairman Ronald Cardema called on Reserve Officers' Training Corps officers to "to speak out, to be the voice of nationalism in colleges and universities, and to fight all NPA-allied Anti-ROTC youth leaders in their respective schools."

In an online exchange, Cardema stressed that he only meant unspecified "leftist groups allied with the leftist [New People's Army]" are opposing mandatory ROTC out of support for communist rebels. He offered no proof and only cited his former membership in an activist group. Asked to say which he groups he was referring to, he said in a mix of Filipino and English: "The lines are blurred there and those groups want it to remain blurred."

Membership in an activist group or opposition to a government policy does not mean membership in the Communist Party of the Philippines or New People's Army. Labeling activists and dissenters as "NPA-allied" is a practice called "red-tagging," which the Commission on Human Rights has warned puts people in danger.

Cardema acknowledged that opposition to mandatory ROTC is not limited to activist groups in the national democratic movement or to the youth.

He said "there are others opposing ROTC but not supportive of rebels."

He said "there are other leftist groups not allied with the NPA," giving the example of Akbayan, which he said is against the return of mandatory ROTC, "but they are not allied with the CPP."

The House of Representatives has approved a bill that would require Grade 11 and Grade 12 students to enroll in ROTC, a program that was made optional in the aftermath of the murder in 2001 of an ROTC officer who exposed corruption in the program.

University of Santo Tomas student Mark Chua's body was found floating in the Pasig River shortly after he and fellow cadet Romulo Yumul disclosed the corruption in the university's ROTC program in The Varsitarian's Feb. 21, 2001 issue. Chua's body was wrapped in a carpet, his face covered with masking tape and his hands were tied.

"Because of our silence, timidity, and even mediocrity, the radical leftist youth leaders allied with the New People's Army have taken advantage of our school populations and youth communities to advance their anti-government, anti-military rhetorics," Cardema told ROTC cadets.

'Program prone to abuse'

Youth groups aligned with the national democratic activist movement have opposed the proposal to revive mandatory ROTC, saying the program is prone to abuse and corruption and will not necessarily instill nationalism.

Rep. Sarah Elago (Kabataan party-list) said Wednesday that the bill was approved on second reading "without thorough study by the committee and no action was taken on cases of abuse and rights violations in the ROTC program."

The group said these activities do "nothing to develop one’s talents, skills and character that can be deemed relevant in nation building." It said the government can foster patriotism through programs that allow "the active participation of citizens in governance and nation building at all levels."

Akbayan Youth, in late January, called the move to revive mandatory "a spit on the grave" of Chua. It also said the ROTC program "will prevent senior high schools from being a safe space as it has proven to be a cyclical system of physical and psychological abuse, homophobia, and misogyny."

The group said "Congress should instead pass legislation that will enable senior high school students to be active citizens through community service education programs and courses."

In November, Reps. Tom Villarin (Akbayan party-list) and Ariel Casilao (Anakpawis party-list), who are not youths and who do not belong to the same political group, also said they oppose the proposal.

Cardema insisted Thursday that "those few NPA-allied leftist youth leaders are against ROTC because they support the armed rebellion against the government, they support the burning of cell sites which millions of Filipinos use everyday, and support the killings of our government troops."

Indonesia will ask the Philippines to explain its claim that an Indonesian couple was behind the Jan. 27 bomb attack on a Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu, that killed 23 people, and why Jakarta was not notified before the announcement.In a report on the Indonesian-language news site BeritaSatu, Indonesian Ambassador Sinyo Harry Sarundajang revealed that his government intends to send a note verbale seeking clarification from Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.Earlier, Año said the incident was a case of suicide bombing involving an Indonesian couple, but said it would take time to identify them.

Año said the couple, who reportedly left behind a 10-year-old child in the Philippines, received assistance from the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.

Sarundajang was also quoted in a separate report saying that the Indonesian embassy in Manila and the Indonesian consulate general in Davao contacted the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), which reportedly said it did not know the basis for Año’s claim.

“When contacted by the Indonesian Embassy in Manila, the NICA informally expressed its openness to conduct an investigation together with the Indonesian government,” Sarundajang was quoted as saying.

In the BeritaSatu report, Sarundajang lamented that the Philippine government has repeatedly linked Indonesians to terrorist attacks, like the one in Lamitan City, Basilan, on July 31, 2018, and the New Year’s Eve blast in Cotabato City last year, without proof.

“However, the results of the investigation show that there was no involvement of Indonesian citizens in the two bombings, as stated by the officials and the media reports,” the report quoted the ambassador as saying.

Sarundajang also reportedly said that residents and families of the Jolo bombing victims refuse to believe that the attack was perpetrated by Indonesian suicide bombers.

Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi also said there is no evidence yet that the perpetrators of the bomb attack were Indonesians, Sarundajang said.

“Until now, the investigation process is still ongoing, so it cannot be ascertained that the perpetrators are Indonesian citizens,” Indonesia’s top diplomat said.

The Department of National Defense, meanwhile, was quiet on a statement by Año that Abu Sayyaf Group leader Hajan Sawadjaan, who allegedly masterminded the Jolo, Sulu bomb attack, is now the new Islamic State (ISIS) emir in the Philippines, saying the information needed to be verified.

“The DND and Armed Forces of the Philippines [AFP] have our own validation method independent of the PNP and other government agencies,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said. “It would be inappropriate to issue further comments on this until we have received verification and confirmation from our own sources.”

In a separate message, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the terrorist group has its own selection process.

“The AFP is not privy to it and will not issue any confirmation. But whoever they recognize as such, we assure our people that the AFP’s desire to neutralize him and his terrorist cohorts is consistent and undiminished,” he added.

Arevalo also said AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal is determined to employ all the capabilities of the military and apply the full force of the law against the terrorists.

“We will not stop until justice is served for the hapless civilians who were victims of their vicious attacks,” he added.

The AFP spokesman also said they are still confirming reports that ASG leader Idang Susukan was killed during recent military operations in Jolo.

“He was previously reported to be seriously wounded during the fierce encounter between the ASG and the AFP’s 41st Infantry Battalion,” Arevalo said.

“Progress reports from various sources on the ground indicate that he eventually died due to the severe injuries he sustained in that firefight. Notwithstanding these reports that tend to confirm each other, our troops in the area endeavor to locate his remains for us to conclusively report through DNA test that he indeed is dead,” he added.

He said if the death is confirmed, this would be yet another serious blow to the leadership of the Abu Sayyaf.

On Friday, Año congratulated the police and the military for their prompt action in solving the Jolo church attack.

“As far as the government is concerned, the Jolo bombing case is already solved. We have already identified the perpetrators of the bombing and they are now under police custody. As to the other conspirators, an intensive manhunt is now under way and we will continue to pursue them until all those involved are brought to the bar of justice,” he said in a statement issued Thursday.

Citing intelligence reports, survivors’ statements and post-blast and forensic investigation, the DILG chief reiterated that an unidentified Indonesian couple was behind the blast.

Investigators said the Indonesian woman was the one who set of the bomb inside the church, while the man rushed to the church entrance to detonate his explosives just as churchgoers were rushing out and police were responding to the attack.

Año said the man was known by his alias, “Abu Huda” and had been in the Philippines for a long time while the woman arrived in the country just days before the bomb attack.

He said the government was working with the help of Indonesian security and intelligence agencies.

Over the weekend, five suspects linked to the bomb attack at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral surrendered to authorities.

“Our security forces, particularly the PNP with the help of the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines], are conducting an intensified operation to track down and arrest the 14 other accomplices who are involved in the bombing. The long arm of the law will catch up with them sooner than later,” he said.

Año said charges for 23 counts of murder, 95 counts of frustrated murder, and damage to property have been filed by state lawyers before the Jolo Regional Trial Court against the five suspects.

Other respondents are Sawadjaan, Usman Absarah, Barak Ingog, Makrim Abisi, Bapah Absara, one alias Ebing, and several John and Jane Does.

The DILG chief, however, said that law enforcers should not let their guard down, and must remain alert, and intensify security measures in places with high volume of people.

He also urged the public to report to the police or their barangay of any suspicious activity of groups or individuals in their communities.

Police said Friday that DNA from some body parts found at the crime scene were now with the PNP Crime Laboratory for testing.

From The Guardian (Feb 7, 2019): 'The fight is not over': fears of Isis resurgence in Philippines

Warning from military commander comes after spate of attacks including deadly church bombing

The comments come just over a year after Isis was defeated in Marawi City, after a five-month battle with government forces (pictured). Photograph: Pacific P/REX/Shutterstock

A military commander in the Philippines has warned that the country’s fight against Isis is far from over after a deadly church bombing on the island of Mindanao involving local militant groups that have pledged allegiance to the jihadist group.

The warning from military commander Colonel Romeo Brawner comes just over a year after Isis was defeated in Marawi City, in the south of the country, after a five-month battle between government forces and Isis-affiliated militants.

The Philippine government is continuing to search for the last known surviving leader of the main force behind the siege – Maute Group’s Owaidah Benito Marohombsar, known as Abu Dar, following the discovery of his training camp.

Twin explosions kill 20 people at Philippines cathedral

“The fight against Isis is not over. When I got assigned here, I said my priority is to hunt down Abu Dar and prevent him from recruiting and training more fighters,” Brawner told the Guardian.

In January, a spate of incidents led to fears of the group’s resurgence. On 25 January, violence erupted between government forces and a group led by Abu Dar. The military claimed “big success” for killing three terrorists and dismantling the training camp, even as Abu Dar managed to flee.

Two bombs hit the church in Sulu in January. The first blast occurred inside the church as mass was being celebrated, and was followed by a second explosion in the parking lot as troops responded. Photograph: HANDOUT/AFP/Getty Images

In the days between the skirmish and the bloody church attack, Isis issued a bulletin, the first since the fall of Marawi in 2017, which claimed more than 30 soldiers had died in the clashes with Abu Dar’s men – a claim Brawner says is false – and issuing what was later interpreted as a warning for the church attack.

“Let the worshippers of the Cross and their helpers everywhere know that the Islamic State continues to break their thorn and smash their crosses and idols, and Allah is the granter of success and He is the helper,” said the message translated by the Site Intelligence Group which monitors jihadist activities.

Isis is a clear and present danger to the Philippines Rommel Banlaoi, Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism

The attack came as people in the Muslim-majority south Philippines voted in a historic referendum to create a new autonomous region, which the government hoped would bring peace to a war-torn part of the country and address issues that lure recruits to Isis-inspired groups.

According to the military, the church bombing was perpetrated by Indonesian suicide bombers and was planned and executed with the assistance of the Abu Sayyaf group.

The Abu Sayyaf group has been responsible for decades of violence, including the 2004 Superferry bombing that killed 116 people, making it south-east Asia’s worst terror attack at the time.

It is a highly factionalised group and is divided over its views on Isis, but sub-commanders like the late Isis emir Isnilon Hapilon reached out to develop ties.

Philippines: scores of Islamic State fighters on Mindanao island

The Sulu attack created a frenzy in the Isis propaganda machine, with the group publishing a photograph edited to show President Rodrigo Duterte as an Isis captive in the wake of his threats against the group. Duterte has said: “The only way to fight them is to become evil also.”

Rommel Banlaoi of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism said the Jolo church attack underscored the growing security challenge for the country, at the hands of foreign fighters, citing the blast in Lamitan City by a suspected suicide bomber from Morocco in July 2018.

“Isis is a clear and present danger to the Philippines being a new land of jihad by foreign fighters,” he said.

The challenge is underscored by the presence of about 100 foreign fighters in Mindanao, influencing local armed groups.

Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, overall commander of areas where Isis-linked groups operate, said Duterte had ordered the military to “wipe out” the groups.

“We will further intensify intelligence efforts, collaborate with all concerned stakeholders, and cooperate and coordinate with counterpart Asian armies for common boundary security and intel sharing,” Dela Vega told the Guardian.

Suspected members of New People’s Army burned these heavy equipment that were being used in the road widening construction going to the proposed location of the controversial Kaliwa dam project by the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System in the Sierra Madre. Contributed photo

LUCENA CITY – Suspected New People’s Army rebels burned heavy equipment belonging to a road construction firm in Infanta town in Quezon province early Friday, police said.

The band of at least 15 rebels set fire three backhoes and one bulldozer owned by Northern Builders Corp in Barangay (village) Magsaysay around 6:30 a.m., Senior Supt. Osmundo de Guzman, Quezon police director, said in a report.The equipment were being used in the road widening construction going to the proposed location of the controversial Kaliwa dam project by the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System in the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. No workers were reported hurt during the attack.

The MWSS has long been pushing for the construction of the Kaliwa dam as a major component of its New Centennial Water Source Project to address a projected water crisis in Metro Manila.

Environmentalist groups, religious, militant groups and concerned local government officials in northern Quezon have been waging a vigorous campaign to stop the dam project.

Combined police and Army troopers were tracking down the NPA rebels as of Friday evening.

Two weeks ago, the NPA rebels also burned several heavy equipment and the field office of another construction company in nearby Real town.

Two soldiers of the 39th Infantry Battalion were injured in a clash with at least 20 suspected New People's Army guerrillas in a remote village in Makilala, Cotabato on Friday morning, a military official said.

Lieutenant Colonel Rhojun Rosales, 39th IB commander, did not disclose the identities of the soldiers but said they are now being treated in a hospital.He said his men responded to reports that armed men believed to be members of the NPA front 73 were massing up in the village before the hour-long clash erupted. "They were fired at first, prompting our personnel to fire back at the enemy," Rosales told GMA News Online in phone interview.

Two attack helicopters have been sent to the area for air cover for the assault on rebels' lair and clearing operations.

Some residents have fled their homes and are temporarily staying in the barangay hall for their safety, Rosales added.

A COUPLE and another man whom the military claimed to be officers of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) have returned to the folds of the law as they reportedly turned themselves in to the authorities in Claveria, Misamis Oriental early this week.

Government troops identified the three NPA political cadres as Aurellio Pinatawan alias Rex/Macmac, his wife Jorelyn and Rico Ayoma.
The military said Aurellio was a political instructor and platoon leader of Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG) of Sub-Regional Committee One (SRC1) of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) while his wife was an underground mass organizer of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) as secretary of the Pigsaludaan.

On the other hand, Ayoma was identified by the military as supply officer of Squad 3, Platoon PPH of SRC1, NCMRC.The couple surrendered this week at the headquarters of the 58th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Migbanday, Poblacion, Claveria town.

The military said the couple accordingly experienced "political demoralization upon realization of the hopeless, none-social, and pointless revolutionary ends and exploitation of the masses by their higher leaders."

"Having access to classified information as political and military officers, these surrenderees revealed the plans of the CPP-NPA-NDF to urgently recover lost underground mass organizations in specific localities of Gingoog City, Claveria, and Lagongong in Misamis Oriental and Malitbog town in Bukidnon," the military said in a statement.

On the other hand, the military said Ayoma surrendered because of disappointment with the "pointless running and hiding in hunger".

Ayoma also yielded his AK-47 gun and ammunition.

"Since the total occupation of their guerilla base in Lantad-Balatukan Mountain by the 58IB last year, life on the run inside the guerilla movement have since become so very hard," the military said quoting Ayoma.

The three former communist rebels will avail of assistance through the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

"I welcome all our brothers and sisters who are willing to return to the folds of our government. I assure them that we will help them achieve a peaceful life and ensure that their benefits under E-CLIP will be given to them," 58IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Roy Anthony Derilo said.

Derilo assured that not a single NPA who surrendered has experienced any torture or was killed.

He also emphasized that economic and infrastructure development is the ultimate solution to insurgency and not the military.

"In winning over the masses, the NPA is actually competing with the LGU leaders, not with the military. The LGU leaders' ability to address socio-economic issues is the defining factor for victory, not the military's ability to kill as many enemies as it can, as it is even wrong," Derilo said.

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Feb 8, 2019): Inclusion of six municipalities in LDN vetoed again

For the second time, the inclusion of the six municipalities of Lanao Del Norte, which voted yes in 2001, to join the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), was vetoed again by the rest of the voters of the province. (Correction: The Dimaporo dynasty, which is still in control of the province for the last 60 years, secured the no votes over the yes votes).

As of 7:25 pm yesterday, the overall tally, for no is 167,788 and for yes is 78,453. The six municipalities, namely Balo-i, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal, voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining the BARMM. But because of the double majority reckoning of the yes votes, despite the affirmative yes votes in these towns, they will not be part of the BARMM.

But the question, did the Dimaporo triumvirate (Abdullah, Khaled, and Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo) effectively extinguish the burning desire of the people of the six municipalities to be out of their dynastic grip and rule to join, say the BARMM?

The answer is almost certain: When people’s legitimate aspirations are blocked, suppressed, or subdued by all imagined and varied means, including the manipulation of the so-called legal and electoral processes, then the hard feeling, nay hatred, will intensify and will find expressions in many forms.

We are not saying they will resort to violent means. But everybody knows the narrative in this province, how the people here suffered first from the Ilaga depredations, then by the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos, and then followed by the autocratic rule of the Dimaporos, whose Barracudas at one time determined the fate of the people there.

On the part of MILF, we will do everything at our disposal so that whatever after-effects of the last plebiscite will be in pursuant to the path of peace. The momentum for peace has started and this will be pursued vigorously and without let-up.

Moreover, the aspiration of the people in said municipalities did not die with the defeat of the yes votes. It can still be asserted in the future. Even the Philippine Local Government Code has provision for it. More importantly, the people will remain as a people, while the Dimaporo dynastic will not stay forever. It will end sooner or later, because they longer are in harmony with the higher cause of peace and interests of the people of the province.

The plebiscite in the province was far from fair and orderly, especially in Sultan Naga Dimaporo municipality. Very few people were seen voting but the results showed almost 10o percent registered voters cast their votes. In addition, very few precincts were opened to watchers especially of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP). Either they were secured by goons, the barangay captains, men in police uniforms, etc.

Christians for National Liberation (CNL) propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Feb 7, 2019): Persevere in attaining greater heights in the National Democratic Revolution with Socialist Perspective

STATEMENT OF THE CHRISTIANS FOR NATIONAL LIBERATION47th FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY

It is with extreme pride and honour that we salute all comrades in celebration of the 47th founding anniversary of the Christians for National Liberation. Carrying forward our theme and thrust from the 8th National Congress, it is with resolute determination that we persevere in attaining greater heights in the National Democratic Revolution with Socialist Perspective by intensifying our participation in the people’s armed revolutionary struggle.

We give the highest honour to our heroes and martyrs who offer their unconditional service in advancing the class struggle and achieve national liberation.

We offer our high commendation to all members of the Christians for National Liberation and allies who ascribe their militancy to the revolutionary organisation of church people. This activism is our concrete faith response to the challenges posed by the decadent system and social realities. By fleshing out our unity and programs, we continue to wage the People’s Democratic Revolution under the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

We understand that the global capitalist crisis and inter-imperialist contradictions heightens the worsening conditions of the struggling people and intensifies widespread violations of rights and dignity. This also belabours a favourable condition that forges stronger commitment and growth among revolutionary forces.

We are already present in 14 regions across the archipelago with chapters and organising groups at the region, sub-region, denomination and institutional levels both among Protestants and Roman Catholics. We have comrades in other countries as well who are only too eager to be established as chapters in the years to come. The strong leadership of our comrades at the National Council and the National Executive Council is instrumental to this positive development. Our strong unity on our revolutionary line, political orientation, programs and plans have enabled us to breakthrough in organising work among major religious groups, and established strong and critical alliances among church leaders and hierarchy.

Significant support has been extended to the basic sectors and fronts ranging from materials, documentation, legal and para legal, sanctuaries and medical. In areas where most capable, church cadres also prepared the way for sectoral organising among peasants and workers. More importantly, Christians for National Liberation has deployed cadres to other sectors and raised armed revolutionaries in the countryside. The consistent solidarity work in the international shores has paved way for humanitarian support and raise the level of political engagements that are mutually beneficial.

Martial law in Mindanao and the similar de facto situation in other provinces has, on one hand, adversely affected the political work and consolidation of cadres but also encourage innovative and creative ways to sustain our revolutionary task. More is still to be done in our solid and step-by-step organising that will eventually develop and equip church cadres serving the protracted war in urban centres and the hinterlands.

Duterte has revealed himself through and through kowtowing the lines of imperialists and serves as lackey to his masters’ thirst for profit and power. Now more than ever, amidst the relentless reign of terror and tyranny under the worsening semi-colonial semi-feudal conditions of the country, we forge our strong alliance to revolutionary forces of the National Democratic Front and all nationalist and peace loving Filipino people in building the broadest anti-fascist united front against the US-Duterte regime and bring to reality his ouster.

We pledge to continue arouse, organise, mobilise the church leadership, clergy, religious, lay and youth in the advancement of the people’s protracted war and raise high the flag of liberation.

In the face of intense adversity and brazen attack propelled by the blood-thirsty US-Duterte regime, we remain steadfast and continue carry the cross reaching out the broadest of our forces, guided by the programs of the People’s Democratic Revolution, advancing the people’s struggle towards stalemate and strategic victory in the years to come.

Long live the People’s Democratic Revolution!Long live Christians for National Liberation!Onward the people’s struggle towards national liberation!

An Abu Sayyaf Group member was neutralized by the combined elements of the AFP and PNP during the conduct of checkpoint operations in Barangay Lapid-Lapid, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday (February 5, 2019).

Troops from the 29th Marine Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team-9; 51st Special Action Company, Special Action Force; Bongao Municipal Police Station; Maritime Police Station Tawi-Tawi; and with orchestration of Joint Intelligence Task Units, conducted Law Enforcement Support Operation when they chanced upon Shaifful Julaili, a Sulu-based ASG member involved in the series of kidnapping activities in the waters off Tawi-Tawi and Sabah.

Julaili violently escaped and engaged the government troops manning the checkpoint, prompting the latter to retaliate and fatally wound the suspect.

Said Abu member was declared dead-on-arrival at the provincial hospital.

The intensified checkpoint operations of the Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi and the PNP is done primarily to preempt the spillover of terror activities from the province of Sulu to Tawi-Tawi.

The checkpoint serves as one of the proactive measures of the government to thwart plans of the Sulu-based ASG/KFRG members in utilizing the province as their safe haven and platform in the conduct of their high profile kidnappings.

“Rest assured that our government troops will never fail to protect the people from any threat that will try to disrupt the peace and development in the province of Tawi-Tawi,” said Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Acting on a report of the presence of armed men in the vicinity, believed to be members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the army troops immediately conducted clearing operation that resulted to the discovery of the arm cache which was a vacant comfort room at the back of the Barangay Hall of the aforementioned barangay.

“The timely and accurate information provided by the concerned civilian led to the recovery of said valuable war materials,” Joint Task Force Central Commander Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana said.

“We will sustain our commitment to ensure the safety and security of the people in Central Mindanao against the BIFF who sow terror and create fear in the community,” MGen Sobejana added.

WestMinCom chief Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega commended the troops of the Joint Task Force Central for the prompt response to the report.

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Feb 7, 2019): MGen Santos directs units to work for Peace and Development Zones

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - "Facilitate and work for convergence to address concerns and resolve issues in conflict-affected areas through Peace and Development Zone concept."This was what MGen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command emphasized after he was appraised on the operational environment of CARAGA Region during his visit to the different military units therein on February 6, 2019.

"The joint and complementing effort of Regional Development Council (RDC), and Regional Peace Council declaring areas as Peace and Development Zones is a good template that will facilitate the achievement of durable peace in the region, therefore we should work for the replication in other areas of the region". MGen Santos Jr. added.

The Peace and Development Zone is a peace-building initiative which promotes the establishment of durable peace by addressing the root causes of conflict through reconciliation, peace constituency building, social, political and economic transformation.

The program which has been pushed by then MGen. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr, during his stint as Commander of 4th Infantry Division (4ID), adopts the "whole of nation approach" and conflict sensitivity lens in tackling and addressing prevalent issues and conflict in the communities.

MGen Santos' visit was part of his operational assessment and survey of the EMC's Area of Responsibility after he assumes leadership on January 21, 2019.

He was received by BGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, newly installed Commander of 4ID and concurrent Brigade Commander of 402nd Brigade; and BGen. Andress Centino, the Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade.

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The intensified security effort of all military units under Eastern Mindanao Command pre-empted NPA terrorist plans in Eastern Mindanao since January of this year up to the first week of February 2019.
This came after troops were able to capture 30 landmines during various security operations from January 1, 2019, to February 5, 2019.

It can be recalled that on January 27, 2019, troops from 25th Infantry Battalion recovered a 16-kilogram landmine, blasting caps, and detonating cord during a security operation in Sitio Ngan, Diwata, Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province.

In Caraga Region, elements from the Philippine National Police with troops under the Eastern Mindanao Command confiscated landmine paraphernalia during a law enforcement operation in Sitio Kauswagan, Bit-os, Butuan City.

"The leadership of NPA are all lip service, they always pretend to respect International Humanitarian Law (IHL), but in truth, they are the number one violator of this law. These landmines that were captured from them is a manifestation of their wanton disregard of IHL and the safety of the communities," MGen Santos said.

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Officers of Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and its subordinate units have undergone project monitoring orientation here on February 8, 2019. The activity is in consonance with the Department of National Defense Department Order No. 384 series of 2018 and Regional Development Council XI Resolution No. 89 series 2018 calling for the inclusion of military units in Davao Region as member observer of the Regional Project Monitoring Committee XI.

The activity entitled Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation Systems and Result Based Monitoring and Evaluation Orientation for AFP was aimed at increasing the appreciation and understanding of AFP-Eastmincom Officers in government project monitoring.

It further aimed at enhancing the collaboration and coordination of the member agencies in addressing the socio-economic and development concerns of the different communities in the region more with the issuance of Executive Order 70 calling for the "whole of nation approach" in ending the insurgency in the country.

Meanwhile, MGen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander, Eastmincom recognized the importance and crucial role of the military in the committee.

"As part of the whole government machinery, we should look at our existence beyond the context of security, the inclusion of the military in the committee aims not only to enhance public accountability but also to ensure the inclusive and equitable distribution of the country's economic dividend being always in the forefront of engaging the vulnerable and marginalized sectors of the society," MGen Santos stated.

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 8, 2019): Army election watch up for PAGs, ‘manicurists’The Army yesterday reiterated its reminder to incumbent officials and those aspiring to become officials to refrain from using the New People’s Army and armed goons such as the “Bacordo” group as their private armies.

The Army has information that some politicians have sought support from the NPA which is illegal, he said, noting that the number one private armed group in the province is still that of the Communist rebels. He said they are also monitoring some officials who reportedly are using the “Bacordo group” as their armed goons.

“We have information that needs to be confirmed,” he said.

The Army will also keep a close watch on armed groups that act as “manicurist” on election day. These groups place indelible ink on the fingers of supporters of the opponents of the politicians who hire them to prevent them from voting, Arevalo explained.

Madriaga said six of them are in Guihulngan City and three in Mabinay, while the remaining barangays are being threatened for infiltration by communist rebels. There are 661 barangays in Negros Occidental, and 557 in Negros Oriental.

While Col. Jon Aying was the 303rd Infantry Brigade commander in 2013, he reported that there were 105 barangays in Negros that had been affected by the activities of the New People’s Army Arevalo said yesterday that those insurgency-affected villages are under close monitor, including the conduct of security operations, while community support programs are being implemented.

There are 125 barangays in four Panay provinces also categorized by the Philippine Army as insurgency-affected. It was also reported by the 3rd Infantry Division that 88 New People’s Army members in Western Visayas surrendered last year to the Philippine Army.